Robert Calvin “Bobby” Butler (1959- ) was born in Boynton Beach to Reverend Richard W. and Emma J. Butler. Bobby graduated from Atlantic Community High School, Delray Beach (1977), where he led the War Eagles to the state championship games in 1976 and 1977.He was the second alumnus from Atlantic High School to go on to the National Football League (NFL).
At Florida State University (FSU), Butler made contributions in both football and track and field.As a defensive back, he ranks seventh on FSU’s career list with eleven interceptions. During Butler’s years as a Seminole, the team was 39-8.They played in both the Tangerine Bowl and the Orange Bowl. The Associated Press chose Butler as an Honorable Mention for its annual All-American squad in 1979, and for third-team All-American in 1980. The Newspaper Enterprises Association chose him in 1980 as first-team All-American.
Butler’s track and field career at FSU included the sprint, long jump and the relay; he helped his team finish third in the NCAA Championship 4 x100-meter relay. In 1987 Bobby Butler was elected into the FSU Hall of Fame.
The Atlanta Falcons selected Butler in the first round of the 1981 NFL Draft, and he played for them his entire career (1981-92). His rookie season was his best, when he intercepted five passes for 86 yards.
One of Butler’s sons, Brenton, plays basketball for Fordham University in New York. Another son, Brice, was rated the third best high school wide receiver in the United States in his senior year and was recruited by University of Southern California.